History Department

History is the study of the vast record of human experience, the collective memory of humankind. As memory defines selfhood and guides behavior, so history teaches about social identity and responsibility.

Just as memory changes and matures, so does the collective understanding of the past change as new evidence is discovered and new perspectives are developed. Like a detective hunt, the discipline of history teaches us to seek facts, weigh interpretations, and draw conclusions. It requires wide reading, deep thinking, and clear communication.

Historical study at SPU seeks a balanced understanding of world cultures, exploring the roots and development of Western civilization in the ancient and medieval periods, tracing the interaction between the West and the rest of the world, and probing more deeply into American, European, and non-Western history. Along the way, we trace the impact of Christianity in both Western and non-Western settings.

Alumni Stories

Collin Markstrom, Office of Military and Veteran Services, George Washington University